Grubbin’ for a good cause at Bo.lan? Heck yeah, we’re in! Walking more than 350 kilometers for the same cause? *Gulp*… We feel ya if you’re having reservations about making such a commitment. But we attended the Freedom to Walk Charity dinner last Thursday night to learn more.
So what exactly can you look forward to if you do decide to take part in the Walk? First of all: Walking is an excellent way to get to really get to know a place’s people and culture. Co-founder Ali Weiner initially wanted to tour the land from Bangkok to Burma and she had the crazy idea to do it by foot. Then she thought, “Why not make it even more meaningful?” That seed of thought eventually grew into what is now the Freedom to Walk project where volunteers will be walking 25 kilometers per day for 16 days. The walk aims to accomplish three things. The first goal is raise at least THB3 million for beneficiaries, who are working to combat human trafficking on five continents. The second is for all participants to interact with locals and learn about human trafficking every day during the walk. Lastly, the walk hopes to inspire people to return home and continue the good work by catalyzing action against trafficking in Walkers’ home communities after the Walk.
Do-gooders should know that all donations and funds raised from the walk will go towards the DREAM House for stateless children in Thailand, emergency hotlines for trafficked persons in the US and Eastern Europe, aftercare support for Ecuadorian children who have been trafficked into handicraft factories, rescue and education programs for young boys in Ghana’s fisheries, and other crucial projects.
So far the project has raised more than THB500,000 – including THB150,000 from the charity dinner event.
Co-founder Tanny Chiengtong explained how the project directly affects the situation in Thailand, “We know that women in Isaan have been trafficked into Thailand for prostitution. That’s why we created this campaign to support organizations that are trying to combat human trafficking.” Young ones are also victim to this social problem. In Thailand, the Dream House has a children’s home on the Thai Burma border that houses 38 kids. There are still 76 kids on thr waiting list who are in high risk of, or are survivors of, trafficking. AJ, founder of the Dream House explained that he is often asked by his peers, “Why Thailand? Why human trafficking?” His response is simple, “When you come to Thailand and see these kids you will understand.” Then he told us the story of Hope, a 16-year-old girl who was sexually exploited by her uncle and his nephew. She was forced to perform sexual acts for money. Today she is safe in the Dream House reunited with her siblings and last year she was awarded for her academic accomplishments.
To support these kids and other victims of human trafficking around the globe, you can:
Walk: Whether you walk for the entire trip, or just on the first day (US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney will be there!), your presence will make a difference. The journey begins on the morning of Saturday November 3rd. For more information or to register visit: www.freedomtowalk.org.
Donate: All contributions go straight to the Dream Project Foundation’s beneficiaries. Donations can be made through the website or bank transfer to SCB account:
UK Starfish Asia Foundation
Siam Commercial Bank
Acct No. 001-588202-3
Chitlom Branch — Savings
Follow: Stay updated on the Dream Project and tell your friends about it through Facebook www.facebook.com/dreamProjectF and on Twitter: @dreamProjectF
Sponsor: If you work for a company that may be able to sponsor part of the operational costs of the Walk (food, water, support vehicle, accommodations), please email walk@dreamprojectfoundation.org
